news

  • News

Goss to Retire as R.J. Corman President

R.J. Corman Railroad Company on Dec. 29 announced that Raymond (Ray) Goss will retire from his role as President effective Jan. 30, 2026, following a five-decade career in the rail industry including seven years leading R.J. Corman’s short line and switching operations.

2025 CPKC Holiday Train Raises Record $2MM

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) on Dec. 23 announced that the 2025 CPKC Holiday Train program, which rolled through hundreds of communities across Canada and the U.S., raised more than $2 million and collected more than 175,000 pounds of food in support of local food banks.

(Courtesy of BNSF)

AAR: U.S. Carloads, Intermodal Down for Week 51

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) on Dec. 24 reported that total U.S. rail traffic was 487,138 carloads and intermodal units for Week 51 (ending Dec. 20, 2025), down 7% from the prior-year period.

Commentary

Merging Lines – First Take on UP-NS Application

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s growth-oriented merger argument remains sound, but the bid-ask spread on competitive concessions remains unknown until the rails respond. Downstream, we view today’s filing as constructive for domestic

(Logos courtesy of the respective organizations)
  • News

People News: SJRRC, MDOT, BLET

The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) appoints Chris Orlando as CEO. Also, Kathryn B. “Katie” Thomson is Acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), following the departure of Paul J. Wiedefeld; and Pete Semenek is retiring as National Vice President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).

Transit Briefs: SEPTA, STV, NYMTA, Amtrak/USRC

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) system-wide ridership decreases 1% in November. Also, STV’s Quantico Station Improvement Project wins an American Council of Engineering Companies of Virginia (ACEC Virginia) Grand Award; Governor Kathy Hochul vetoes a bill that would require two-person crews on the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) subway trains; and Amtrak and Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) leaders approve an agreement to restore federal control of the facility.

FreightCar America President and CEO Nick Randall (FreightCar America Photograph)

Carly Railcar Components Sold to FreightCar America

Chicago, Ill.-based FreightCar America, Inc. on Dec. 22 reported completing the acquisition of Carly Railcar Components, a move that will strengthen its “aftermarket distribution business with a focus on running-repair components” and

USDOT: $33MM for UTC Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Dec. 19 issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that makes $33 million in funding available for the Department’s University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program and aims to “advance transportation science and innovation to solve for tomorrow’s problems today.”

Class I Briefs: UP, CSX, CN/CPKC

Union Pacific’s (UP) Chicago Service Unit celebrates a world-class safety achievement. Also, CSX’s Columbus, Ohio, Mechanical Team achieves 1,500 days injury-free; and the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) releases its annual Maximum Grain Revenue Entitlements for CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).

Three shortlisted teams have received initial Request for Proposals for managing, operating, and maintaining the MBTA Commuter Rail system; the current contract with Keolis Commuter Services expires June 30, 2027. (MBTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: MBTA, Alto, NYMTA, CTA, NJT

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) shortlists three Commuter Rail operator teams. Also, Alto, Canada’s planned Toronto-Québec City HSR (high-speed rail) system, “could see dozens of daily trains”; crime is at a 16-year low on New York MTA subways; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) unveils a “security surge” plan; and New Jersey Transit (NJT) encourages holiday giving through the digital “Chance For Change” program.